Boston Celtics star point guard Kyrie Irving is not going to play against the 76ers tomorrow, per Jay King. This comes after Irving left a game against the Los Angeles Clippers with a knee injury.
An MRI showed that the knee injury is just a sprain and not serious. Even so, Irving has been ruled out for the Celtics next game.
Kyrie Irving will not play tomorrow against the 76ers, Brad Stevens said.
— Jay King (@ByJayKing) February 11, 2019
Irving sitting out is not completely unexpected. With only two games left until the All-Star break it seems the smart move is to sit him for both. That way he comes back completely rested for the second half of the season. No one wants a repeat of last year where Irving missing the end of the year and playoffs.
Lucky for the Celtics, this is not the same knee Irving had surgery on last year. Although with multiple knee injuries there is cause for concern. In the case of Derrick Rose, knee problems derailed a very promising career.
Irving's prolific ball-handling ability has helped him to become a star. He is averaging 23.6 points and 6.9 assists per game this season, and the Celtics will want him back healthy as soon as they can get him. The optimal term is healthy.
The fifth Celtics are 6.5 games ahead of the team below them in the Eastern Conference. Things are very spread out, which will allow Boston to take their time bringing Irving back. If they want to push for a higher seed, they are also 6.5 games out of first place.
It is unfortunate that Irving will miss a game against the 76ers. There is a one game difference between the two teams int he standings.
A Boston win ties things up for fourth place in the Conference.
Follow Us
Subscribe